UGC Draft Regulations Ineffective in Solving Deadlock Over V-C Selection

It is the responsibility of the university senate or syndicate to send a representative to the search committee. I have sought a report from the vice-chancellors on the matter in a bid to resolve the impasse

- SOVI VIDYADHARAN @T'Puram

A new set of draft regulations brought out by the University Grants Commission (UGC), including for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, does not resolve the deadlock existing in the state over constitution of search committees to choose a person to V-C post, academics have pointed out.

The 2018 UGC regulations only insisted that one member of the search cum-selection committee to choose a Vice Chancellor shall be nominated by the UGC chairman. Notably, the 2025 draft has clearly laid down how the panel should be constituted, giving a clear upper-hand for the Chancellor (Governor).

The new regulations state that the nominee of the Chancellor shall be the chairperson of the search cum-selection committee. Two other members in the panel are: a nominee of the UGC chairman and a nominee of the apex body of the university such as syndicate or senate.